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Title: Rag and Bone

Subtitle: A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery

Author: James R. Benn

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-21-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 92 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Billy is sent to London in the midst of a Luftwaffe bombing offensive to investigate the murder of a Soviet official. There's reason to believe that the crime could be connected to the recent discovery of mass graves in the Katyn Forest, where thousands of Polish officers were executed. Is a killer is out there, targeting Soviet officials in revenge for the Katyn Massacre? If so,the diplomatic stakes couldn't be higher as the uneasy relationship between the Soviets and the other allied powers hangs in the balance.

Further complicating matters, Scotland Yard names Billy's friend Kaz, now working for the Polish government in exile, as the prime suspect. Billy must track the killer through London's criminal underworld and save his friend.

Editorial Reviews:

Billy Boyle is back. This time, in James R. Benns fifth, fascinating World War II mystery, hes on the hunt for the murderer of a Russian officer in London. Narrator Marc Vietor is also back, vividly bringing to life the latest assignment for the Boston police detective handpicked by Uncle Ike Eisenhower to serve as his personal investigator. Vietor has a soothing voice that makes listening to the latest Boyle mystery as pleasant as savoring a glass of single-malt scotch by a warm, glowing fire. And while Boyle may be from Bostons Irish South Side, Vietors voice contains a hint of an English accent mixed with softened Southie vowels, a tone that makes sense since Boyle has been stationed in Europe for two years by this point in the series, and has spent much of his time in England. More than anything, Vietors narration gives the Boyle series a wistful air, a longing for a time when good and evil seemed more straightforward.

But things are never what they seem in Rag and Bone. While the Nazis remain the bad guys, hints of the Cold War soon to come can be felt throughout the novel. Technically, the Russians are on the Allies side, but its never quite clear whos spying on whom. And Boyle, freshly promoted to First Lieutenant, must be careful of who he trusts in war-ravaged London as he investigates this mysterious murder. This includes Boyles longtime friend, Kaz, an aristocratic Polish baron living in the Dorchester Hotel. Kaz claims to be working for the Polish government, but he soon becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the Russian officer. Boyle has his doubts, but he remains a detective first, relying on facts and careful observation to determine exactly whos the killer.

Even if youve never listened to a Billy Boyle mystery, you can jump straight into Rag and Bone and not miss a beat, especially since it stands on its own as one of the better books in this tightly written series.

Critic Reviews:

"An entertaining series based on fascinating historical premises." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

A learning opportunity ...

World War II was a given for me. I read about it in school and before reading these books, I could give you basic history book facts. Benn's books have given me a deeper look into that war. I've only read four and those out of order and yet, they still make perfect sense. I know these are in the historical fiction genre, but the notes by the author explain what is fact and what is fiction. The Billy Boyle books continue to be a good investment for me.